In short, the MPC Live is the perfect toolbox for any DJ or music producer who favours a computer-free workflow when programming his or her beats. The MPC One has 64 stereo voices. A project consists of several sequences, here called scenes. Each sequence consists of a collection of different tracks and therefore different instruments such as synthesizers, drum kits, bass and vocals.
There are six different types of MIDI tracks. Drum tracks allow different samples to be triggered via the pads. Plug-in tracks can be used to load one of the three internal instruments. Instrument tracks can play back samples melodically and have a multi-sample function. Clip tracks allow samples to be assigned to pads and triggered in this way. They can be looped and synchronized to the tempo via the time-stretching function.
The CV track allows control voltages to be sent to external modular synthesizers. Operation via the touch-screen greatly simplifies the beat-making process - whether during home studio sessions or live performances. This is especially handy for producers who want to control their favourite plugins via the MPC One. Stand-alone mode is also impressive. In addition to the included 10 GB of free samples, users can also access their Splice account plugins and libraries via the Ethernet connection LAN.
Ableton Link is also accessible via this connection. Akai Professional has its origins in the traditional Japanese company Akai, founded in , which initially manufactured electric motors, soon to be followed by high quality tape recorders and hi-fi products.
Since , Akai has also become a household name like no other on the hip hop scene. With the development of its first MIDI Production Centre, or MPC for short, created in collaboration with Roger Linn, Akai wrote history by decisively influencing the sound of hip hop and electronic music to this very day.
The MPC One is designed to enable you to express your musical ideas as quickly as possible. Using Tap Tempo, the speed of a sequence can be set manually. The Q-Link function in the top right-hand corner allows you to assign individual parameters to the rotary encoders — which also enable automation via a read-write mode.
The phono inputs on the back of the MPC will allow you to record samples via your turntable if you so wish. For extra flexibility, an additional USB-A port has been included to connect external MIDI controllers for playing melodies for example or accessing external storage with additional sound content.
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Storage Medium SD Card. File Format WAV. The standalone music-making workstation has a more compact form factor and borrows bits from other Akai products to offer an MPC at a more affordable price point. They all have the signature square of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, a multitouch display, network connectivity, MIDI input and output, and are integrated with sample platform Splice, among other things. It also cuts down on storage and ports. Along with the standard 16 pads, it sports a seven-inch multitouch display and four touch-sensitive rotaries for manipulating sounds.
So, the MPC One could be a good solution for those just getting into standalone workstations, or have been on the fence for price reasons. Subscribe to get the best Verge-approved tech deals of the week. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.
By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Cybersecurity Mobile Policy Privacy Scooters. Phones Laptops Headphones Cameras. Using the Akai Professional Force is a delight. It benefits from the fast assembly and is one of the quickest options to set up and start using. When connected to your WIFI network, it allows you to sync it with several other software and hardware.
Well, there are two things that might cause some issues. First is the price. It also is not backpack friendly, so if you are looking for a portable option, you might have to look elsewhere. Recommended for: If you are looking for a single box solution, then this is something that you should certainly consider buying.
This model comes with plenty of similar features to our top pick but comes in a smaller size. It comes with a revamped layout that will certainly please most users. Among the new features include mixer, mute, timing correction, and other selections.
While the previous models had a master volume knob, this wasn't optimally placed. On the software front, it sports the 2. Now, these speakers are convenient and simply irresistible.
They dominate in quiet environments and can hold their own when included in a tabletop rig. When you consider the size of the speakers, the sound produced is truly remarkable. Another notable feature here is the note mapping editing. You can use this function to customize MIDI notes to each pad in a program. As an excellent device, this offers solid sync options. The link is very reliable, and since there isn't a Master, anyone can link or leave whenever they like.
While we had a splendid time testing this model, it comes with certain drawbacks. For one, the speakers make it slightly heavy for something marketed as a portable unit. Recommended for: If your aim is to get a sequencer or beat machine to be the heart of your hardware rig, then you will love using this model.
It takes much of the good found in several other devices by the manufacturer and applies it to itself to give you a compact model to produce music while being affordable. As a standalone unit, it has plenty of things that you need to create music without much peripherals or fuss.
You can make beats, program beats, mix samples, edit, and more with this unit. The design is simple, but it is easy to use and understand. Although it has some of the most impressive technology at this level, it comes in a portable size that can easily fit into a backpack.
There are pads and several dedicated knobs that allow you to immerse yourself into doing what you love — making beats. The velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads are expressive and easy to use. There are dedicated keys for almost anything, and these improve your working experience.
While it is a standalone unit, it comes with impressive connectivity. Therefore, you can connect your computer, keyboard, instruments, and controllers. While this is nearly perfect, it doesn't come with a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, if you have large hands, you might find the pads to be too small. Recommended for: This model is recommended for anyone looking for a low-cost drum machine that gets the job done with minimal fuss.
It's great as a production tool as well as a standalone drum machine, and easily ranks among the best Akai MPCs on the market right now. Looking for an ultra-portable MPC with the best pads on the market? Although there are some downsides to the hardware more on that later , the portable nature, cost, and ever-improving software ensures that it is one of the best Akai MPC you can buy.
It uses similar software. Therefore, it is so slim that it can fit into your bag without any fuss. Despite the slim appearance, it is sturdy. The brushed plastic case looks beautiful and sturdy, and the best feature, the pads, feels very responsive and great. They are slightly firmer than what you'd find on the market, but that is what makes them so good.
There are up to eight pad banks with note polyphony, with each pad lighting up to show you note events and several other functionalities. Akai has done a phenomenal job with the hardware, and it combines functionality and compactness near-perfectly. Operating modes are very similar to what is found in the Renaissance reviewed above. Interestingly, there is very negligible latency in general when using the model.
There is no built-in interface, which can be a problem if you are used to having dedicated ports for sampling and splitting. While the jog wheel and Q-link dials are great, they are slippery and hard to hold, which can be inconvenient. Right out of the box, it is clear that this isn't your regular fickle MPC.